Insurance for Autism Spectrum Disorders

The California Mental Health Parity Act requires health plans to cover ASD to the same extent that they cover other physical illnesses. We have litigated numerous cases on behalf of thousands of Californians to ensure that their health insurance providers cover autism treatments.

April is National Autism Awareness Month, and the growing number of American Autistic children is alarming. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) now affect 1 in 88 children (as of 2008) — that’s an increase from its prior estimates of 1 in 110 children in 2006, 1 in 125 children in 2004 and 1 in 150 children in 2002.

The CDC defines ASD as “a group of developmental disabilities characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication and by restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior.” Symptoms usually appear before a child turns three and can cause issues in many different skills that develop from early childhood into adulthood.

Although there is no cure for ASD, there are ways to help minimize symptoms and maximize learning. Several types of therapy have been shown to help. Behavioral Management Therapy helps reinforce desired behaviors and reduce undesired behaviors. Speech Therapy helps improve the ability to communicate and interact with others. Occupational Therapy helps find ways to adjust tasks to match needs and abilities. And Physical Therapy helps build motor control and improve posture and balance. It has been shown that early intervention with therapies helps children with ASD symptoms recover as much as possible.

Contact Our Autism Spectrum Insurance Denial Lawyer

We are currently litigating cases for families against health plans and health insurance companies that have denied coverage for autism treatments including Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), speech therapy and occupational therapy. If your health insurance company or health plan has refused to provide your child with ABA, speech therapy and/or occupational therapy, please contact us.